5 star bistro in Torquay looking for new owners

A leading Torquay bistro with a string of five-star reviews to its name has gone on the market.
it attracts high numbers of visitors from local hotelsit attracts high numbers of visitors from local hotels
it attracts high numbers of visitors from local hotels

The Waddling Duck Bistro has become so popular among locals and visitors, that the owners found themselves regularly turning away diners because they just didn’t have room.

Now the couple behind the popular Wellswood restaurant have decided it’s time to move to larger premises – and put their original bistro on the market.

Owners Lydia Wolfenden and Russell Goodman took over the former Indian restaurant, which is just a mile from the harbour at Torquay, two and a half years ago.

it has excellent turnover and super profit marginsit has excellent turnover and super profit margins
it has excellent turnover and super profit margins

Since then the couple has transformed it into a bustling bistro serving traditional British dishes.

With Lydia at the front of house and Russell behind the scenes in the spacious kitchen, it rapidly gained a reputation for its charming welcome, its relaxed vibe, attentive service and high-quality cooking.

Lydia said: “It’s going to be quite emotional to leave, but we’ve become so busy that some nights we are turning away 40 to 50 customers because we can’t fit them in.

“I know some of our loyal customers have been a bit upset to hear we’re moving on, but they’ve also said they’ll support whoever moves in.”

She added: “This has been our first business and we’re so pleased at how everything has turned out.

“It will be hard for us to leave because we’ve built it from scratch, but it doesn’t make sense for us to be turning people away.”

The good news for regular diners is that the couple will remain at the Waddling Duck Bistro until it sells, so they can pass on vital business information to the new owners.

Then they plan to search for new, larger business premises and relaunch their restaurant in a fresh location.

The Waddling Duck Bistro’s spot in Ilsham Road in Wellswood means it attracts high numbers of visitors from local hotels and Bed and Breakfast accommodation as well as locals.

Its hugely popular dishes and cosy atmosphere have seen it ranked as number eight out of 234 restaurants in Torquay, with dozens of five-star reviews.

A key feature is its rustic charm, with a warm, wooden floor, duck-related décor and well-stocked bar.

The restaurant has space to sit 26 diners, however, Lydia points out that there is a pretty garden space to the rear which could be used to accommodate more tables and chairs.

Meanwhile, upstairs is a self-contained, recently refurbished two-bedroom apartment.

The restaurant is being sold by business specialists Ernest Wilson, whose experts have decades of experience of helping people take over a new business.

Jonathan Holmes said: “The Waddling Duck Bistro is one of Torquay’s most popular restaurants with a great location in the highly desirable suburb of Wellswood, and handy for Torquay’s harbour.

“It’s incredibly popular, and even though the owners choose to open for just five nights plus Sunday lunch, it has excellent turnover and super profit margins.”

Ernest Wilson’s business specialists can offer advice and guidance to people seeking a new business, or looking to sell. To find out more visit https://www.ernest-wilson.co.uk/Business-Details/583546

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